© Andrea Canter
It feels cold again but really it just normal February in Minnesota! Our options in jazz are perhaps even warmer than normal this week, which might cause some frustration as we can’t be in two venues at once. We have some amazing talents visiting (Ben Allison Trio, Jack DeJohnette, Ravi Coltrane, Matthew Garrison, Bruce Barth) as well as our always-great array of local artists, including the too-rarely heard Phil Hey Quartet.
Big Gigs This Week
Friday, February 3. Cellist Greg Byers brings his quartet Ashen Fir to Jazz Central, featuring Jack Barrett on keys, Charlie Bruber on bass and Pete Quirsfeld on drums. The music reflects the eclectic musical backgrounds of the artists, particularly leaning toward the best of classical and jazz blends.
Jana Nyberg’s recent quintet project comes to Vieux Carre’ on the heels of their LP recording sessions at Wild Sound. Referring to this band as her most “jazz” anchored ensemble, vocalist Jana features husband Adam Meckler on trumpet, Sean Turner on piano, Graydon Peterson on bass and Rodney Ruckus on drums. Watch out for a late spring LP release. READ MORE
